Patent application title: Golf swing training device

Abstract:

A device that helps a golfer improve his/her swing while at the same time
exercising the muscles used during the swing. The device comprises two
grips or handles, one at each end, and a flexible center body between the
grips. The flexible center body comprises an outer body made of a
multiple directional flex material such as a spring and an inner body
made of a flexible strip of stainless steel or a durable strip material,
or a combination of both which enables the device to bend or flex in two
directions and resist a twisting motion.

Claims:

1. A multi-functional golf swing training device comprising:a member
having a flexible metal inner body and a resilient outer body, said inner
body being positioned within said outer body, said inner body be selected
to provide flexibility and resistance to twist said outer body having
first and second ends;first and second grip members coupled to said first
and second ends of said outer body, respectively; andmeans for securing
said device to the shaft of a golf club during training swings and being
removable from the golf club shaft when the golf club is to be used to
address a golf ball.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to a golf swing training and muscle
exercising device which teaches a user the proper motion sequence in a
golf swing and which also exercises the muscles used by a golfer during a
swing.

[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004]A number of devices related to helping golfers improve their golf
swing have been available in the prior art. A search of the concept
developed the following references.

[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,474 to Guibert--this reference discloses an
articulated handheld exerciser with left and right hand clubs 10, 11
formed by shafts having replaceable tubular handles 12 which are shaped
to simulate the grip of a standard sports appliance. The ends of the
shafts are hinged together by a helical spring 38. When gripping handles,
the user may hold them in parallel or angle the clubs with respect to the
hinge. The user's motions when swinging the handles or rotating them
create dynamic tensions which act on the user's muscular system
associated with his/her shoulders, arms and wrists.

[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,673 to Pollard--this reference discloses a pair
of training sticks, each stick 12 having a shaft 14 with upper and lower
ends, a weight 16, and a flexible elongate means 18 connecting the lower
end of the shaft and the weight. Additionally, the device has a means for
connecting the shafts at a selected point along their lengths to provide
a maximum separation between those points. The connecting means 72 is
flexible, connects the shaft upper ends, and provides a variable maximum
separation between the shafts at the points. In the exercises, an
improper swing is evidenced by a non-parallel relationship between the
training sticks during a swing, and a proper swing is evidenced by a
parallel relationship.

[0007]U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,317 to Brandell--this reference discloses an
isokinetic exercise device that provides maximum resistance throughout
the entire range of movements of a user exercising with this device. The
pair of handle members 12, 14 is designed to accommodate and to provide
the structure and feel of the gripping portion of a golf club. Thus, it
reproduces the stresses encountered in playing golf and provides for the
development of the wrist and forearm muscles. As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 10
and 11, spring member 16 applies a maximum force against movement of the
pair of handle members away from each other during exercising.

[0008]Patent Application Publication 2006/0122000 to Paredes et al--this
publication discloses an apparatus having an elongated shaft 22 including
a grip 24 at one end and having a clamp 26 attached to the other end. The
clamp is removably attached to a shaft of a golf club such that the shaft
22 of the apparatus and the golf club shaft 12 are spaced apart in a
parallel relationship to one another. The shaft is adjustable in length,
it being a telescopic shaft having a first shaft slidably disposed within
a second shaft. Means are provided for locking the first and second
shafts relative to one another so that it may accommodate golfers of
different sizes and strengths, while enabling the golfer to use both arms
in a natural manner.

[0009]U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,479 to Guibert--this reference discloses an
articulated exercise bar having hinged together weighted left hand 10 and
right hand 11 arms, each provided with a rotatable handle 12 and 13,
respectively. The arms are joined together by a rotatable hinge assembly
14 making it possible for the arms to be held at parallel positions lying
within a main plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the arms. By
rotating the hinge assembly, the user may grasp the rotatable handles to
swing the arms in and out within the main plane or at right angles to the
main plane, or the user may rotate the entire bar. This exercise bar is
an isotonic exerciser adapted to repeatedly raise or lower a weight using
dynamic tension.

[0010]Although the above noted references describe various
techniques/devices to improve a golfer's swing and/or to exercise the
muscles used when golfing, what is desired is a simple, cost effective
device which teaches a golfer the proper sequence of a swing and, at the
same time, exercise the muscles that are used by a golfer when swinging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]The present invention provides a device that helps a golfer improve
his/her golf swing sequence while at the same time exercising the muscles
used during the swing. The device is simple in design, easy to use,
portable and can be used for exercise indoor or outdoor in a small area.

[0012]The device comprises two grips or handles, one at each end, and a
flexible center body between the grips. The device (for an average sized
male) is approximately between 34 inches and 36 inches in length and
weighs in the range between 800 and 900 grams. The device for children,
women and males stronger than the average male will vary in size and
weight.

[0013]The flexible center body comprises an outer body made of a multiple
directional flex material such as a spring and an inner body made of a
flexible strip of stainless steel or a durable strip material, or a
combination of both to control the direction of bend or flex.

[0014]The outer body, preferably a spring, provides flexibility,
resistance and weight. The pitch of the spring is selected so as to avoid
pinching a user's hair when used as wrap around for shoulder exercise.
The diameter of the spring and the material used for the spring is
determined by the user's preferences. The inner body is made of flexible
stainless steel or a durable material and provides for the directional
flex and resistance from twisting.

[0015]The grips preferably comprise a conventional regular golf grip and a
shortened grip. The two grips are different in length and weight and are
removable to allow accessories such as a putter or a grooved training
grip to be attached. A clamp-on attachment enables the device to be
attached to the shaft of a golf club is also disclosed.

[0016]One grip is approximately two thirds the length of other grip, and
the shorter of two grips is designed to be held by the subdominant side
of the user, left hand for a right handed golfer and by the right hand by
a left handed golfer, and it is weighted heavier than the other grip,
which is normal size grip, giving a sense of balance and feel to the
leading hand.

[0017]The center body can be different in size, weight, and resistance
depending upon the preference of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other
objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following
description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing therein:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the golf-swing correction
device of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, the
handle having a solid shaft;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

[0025]FIG. 7 is the same view as FIG. 3 except that the handle utilizes a
tube member;

[0026]FIG. 8 is the same view as FIG. 3 except that an extension device
has been added;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of member utilized to connect a golf
shaft to the device;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the connector device shown in FIG.
10;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line 13-13 of FIG. 11;

[0032]FIGS. 14 an 15 illustrate a golfer using the assembled configuration
shown in FIG. 10; and

[0033]FIGS. 17-38 show various positions/uses of the device of the present
invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 1, the training device 10 of the present
invention is illustrated. Device 10 comprises grips, or handles, 14 and
16, handle 14 being shorter than handle 16, inner body 17, outer body 18,
caps 19 and 20, and grip locks 22 and 24 which are part of handles 14 and
16, respectively. When training device 10 is in use, the golfer grips
handle 14 with the subdominant hand and handle 16 with the dominant hand.
As will be explained in more detail hereafter, outer body 18 comprises a
flexible spring, preferably chromed steel, which provides appearance,
flexibility, and weight to device 10. Caps 19 and 20 cover and secure
outer body 18 and a connector 29 and grip locks 22 and 24 lock handles 14
and 16 to a center body 12 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0035]FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the device 10 of the present invention. Handle
16 includes an outer grip 23, typically made of rubber, and an inner
solid shaft 25. The end of 27 shaft 25 extends into an externally
threaded grip connector device 29 locked in place by grip lock 24 (note
that although not illustrated, the grip connection for handle 14 is
identical). Outer body 18, preferably a spring member, has a portion
thereof positioned around the cylindrical end portion 31 of grip
connector 29 as illustrated. A pair of pins 33 and 35 extend though
openings formed in inner body 17 and 31 of grip connector 29. Cap 20 also
surrounds the portion of outer body 18 positioned around cylindrical
portion 31. Pins 33 and 35 secure inner body 17 to connector 29, the pins
being covered by outer body 18 and caps 19 and 20. Center body 12 is
defined as including inner body 17, outer body 18, caps 19 and 20 and
pins 33 and 35, essentially the middle portion of device 10. Grip locks
22 and 24 function to secure handles 14 and 16 to center body 12.

[0038]Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 13, illustrated is device 60 which
also provides for exercising the muscles used in a golf swing when a golf
club 62 is connected to device 60 (note that in this case, golf club 62
is used as part of the training and not to hit an actual golf ball).
Device 60 comprises a main housing 64 with a U-shaped channel 61 lid
member portion 66 and directed flexible neck portion 70. A pin 68 and
torsion spring 72 are inserted in a holder positioned within an opening
formed when portions 64 and 66 are assembled together. Jaw portion 66 is
coupled to main housing 64 in a manner whereby it can move in either a
downward or upward direction. Neck portion 70 comprises an inner body 86,
outer body 84 and a connector 88 at one end, connector 88 preferably
being made of durable, light weight plastic. One end of neck portion 70
is press fit into a slotted, cylindrically shaped member 80 integrally
formed with housing 64. Inner body 86 is inserted into a slot formed in
member 80 and a pin 82 is inserted through aligned holes formed in member
80 and inner body 86, securing the latter to the former. The other end of
neck portion 70 with connector 88 formed thereon is joined to portion 14
or 16 of device 10.

[0039]Golf club 62 is connected to device 60 by moving jaw portion 66 in a
downward direction, which in turn rotates lip portion 67 of jaw portion
66 in a direction that removes it from blocking the space between the
legs of the U-shaped channel 61. Shaft 62 is then positioned within the
channel 61, jaw portion 66 is released and lip portion 67 then secures
shaft 62 within channel 61.

[0040]Connector 60 is one of a number of devices which, when coupled to
portions 14 and 16, provides a further option for a enabling a golfer to
exercise the muscles used in a golf swing.

[0041]FIG. 14 illustrates a right handed golfer using the device attached
to golf club 62 and FIG. 15 is a cross arm view of the right handed
golfer shown in FIG. 14. Attaching connector 60 to the golf club adds
another grip and allows a user to perform similar exercises as the device
10 without the connector. The user can detach the connector and use the
club to hit a golf ball.

[0042]FIG. 16 illustrates a golfer positioned to address a golf club; FIG.
17 illustrates a user holding device 10 in a horizontal position (both
grips are in close and level with each other); FIG. 18 illustrates a user
with device 10 in a halfway take back, horizontal position; FIG. 19
illustrates a user with device 10 in a 3/4 take back, horizontal
position; FIG. 20 illustrates a user with device 10 after an impact zone
in the horizontal position; FIG. 21 illustrates a user holding device 10
in a vertical position; FIG. 22 is a sideview showing device 10 held in
the vertical position; FIG. 23 illustrates a user with device 10 in the
half way take back, vertical position; FIG. 24 illustrates a user
checking device 10 at the top of the take back in the vertical position;
FIG. 25 illustrates a user holding device 10 in the cross arm position;
FIG. 26 illustrates a user holding device 10 half way back in the cross
arm position; FIG. 27 illustrates the user with device 10 in the top,
cross arm position; FIG. 28 illustrates a user with device 10 in the
follow through, cross arm position; FIG. 29 shows a user with device 10
in the wrap around neck position to provide shoulder turn or flex
exercise; FIG. 30 is a side view of the position shown in FIG. 29; FIG.
31 illustrates a use with device 10 in the wrap around neck position to
provide left twist shoulder turns or flex exercise; FIG. 32 shows a user
with device 10 in the wrap around position to provide right twist
shoulder turn or flex exercise; FIG. 33 illustrates a user with device 10
in the back of the shoulder position to provide shoulder turns or flex
exercise; FIG. 34 illustrates a user with device 10 in the back of the
shoulder position to provide left twist shoulder turns or flex exercises;
FIG. 35 illustrates a user with a device 10 in the back of the shoulder
position to provide right twist shoulder turns or flex exercises; FIG. 36
illustrates a proper back swing using the device of the present invention
as a golf club; and FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an improper back swing
using too much wrist, hand or arm movement, the device of the present
invention bending to the direction of hand rotation, the arrows
indicating the turning of a golfer's wrists.

[0043]The following describes in more detail what the exercise positions
shown in FIGS. 14-38 accomplish:

[0044]A. FIGS. 14-20

[0045]By keeping device 10 horizontal, wherein the grips are level and
front of the body, this exercise provides the following:
[0046]Resistance of the spring makes arms and elbows pressure each other.
(essential to keep triangle configuration, which provides direct power
transfer from back muscle to club head and give most consistent swing).
[0047]Promotes sequence of motion naturally, which is how the body is
supposed to move. At the beginning of take-back, down swing, and impact
and follow thru, the role of each sides, leading and supporting, work
naturally. [0048]Ease of detecting active dominant side, which causes the
most common mistakes in the golf swing.

[0049]B. FIGS. 21-24 [0050]By keeping the device vertical wherein the
grips are perpendicular top (subdominant side) and bottom (dominant side)
and in front of the body, this exercise provides the following:
[0051]User can concentrate more to keep "triangle" configuration
[0052]Detect false movement by dominant side [0053]Promotes more shoulder
turn (flexibility muscle) [0054]The hand position can be examined more
easily.

[0055]C. FIGS. 25-28 [0056]By keeping device horizontally by arms
crossed and elbow tucked inward in front of user's body, which locks
elbows in front of the body, provides the following: [0057]Creates
better shoulder turn for muscle flexibility exercise and balancing of
body. [0058]The body position can be more readily observed at impact
zone.

[0059]D. FIGS. 29-32 [0060]By keeping device wrapped around neck and
elbows tucked inward in front of user's body, better shoulder turn
exercise is provided and a user can feel back muscle more easily. By
elbows tucked-in, body position is close to keeping "triangle"
configuration.

[0061]E. FIGS. 33-35 [0062]The exercise is commonly performed by players
today by using a golf club for warm-up and stretch. By holding device
against the direction of bend, this exercise can be performed with the
device 10.

[0063]F. FIGS. 36-38 [0064]By holding the long grip (dominant side) and
swinging the device as a golf club, the user quickly is able to examine
his/her own swing rapidly for false movement. The device will bend to the
turn of device and maintain straight through out take-back and downswing.
It will flex or bend at entering impact zone and snap at impact. The
exercise can be performed simultaneously with other exercises with ease.

[0065]Grips 14 and 16 are different in length to provide a distinctive
visual difference to tell which handle is to hold by which hand. In
particular, shorter grip 14 is meant to be held only by the leading hand,
the left hand for right handed persons and right for left handed persons.
Grip 14 is heavier than grip 16 since the leading side in golf is the
subdominant, or weaker, side. The hand, by having more weight in the
subdominant side hand enables the brain to automatically concentrate more
on the heavier side thus making it is easier to define the leading hand
that has to be in control and makes the user work a little harder,
resulting in better ways to achieve muscle memory. In essence, the main
purpose of grips 14 and 16 is to be able to detect the movement of each
hand of the user.

[0066]Handle 16 is same size as a normal golf grip and it is meant to be
held with two hands when utilizing swing device 10 like golf club. Having
handle 14 heavier makes the end of device 10 somewhat heavier and helps
device 10 to feel like a golf club. The clamp-on device 60 provides the
following advantages: 1) Provides similar training as using device 10 by
itself but enables a user to use a real club; 2) Those players who like
to conduct one hand drills (practice swing to check body movement by one
side at time). The player can use the other hand to support the club
while being able to move that hand similar to a training hand or arm. 3)
Since it is easy to attach and remove the device, the user can switch
back and forth at practice and retain the exercise feeling.

[0067]Outer body 18 and inner body 17 is the flexible part of center body
12 and provides flexibility and resistance to twist; inner body 17
preferably comprises a strip of flexible chrome or stainless steel metal
which provides flexibility and a strong resistance to twist. As noted
hereinabove, outer body 18 preferably comprises a resilient metal, such
as a chrome spring. By creating increased resistance when a user
exercises using the device 10, the arms and elbows of a user are
automatically forced to tuck inwards which creates a triangular shaped
position of the arms and body that is a key foundation of a consistent
golf swing.

[0068]Center body 12 is assembled as follows: Inner body 17 is fitted into
a slot formed in grip connector 29, the holes in inner body 17 and grip
connector 29 being aligned. Two spacers 37 and 39 (FIG. 3) are fitted
into the slot and two pins, 33 and 35 are fitted through the aligned
holes. Outer body 18 is pressed fit onto connector 29. Outer body 18 is
compressed such that inner body 17 is exposed at the other end. The other
grip connector is attached in the same manner. Once the outer body 18 is
pressed on to the connectors, the assembly tends to remain together
because of the coiling nature of the spring that comprises outer body 18.
Caps 19 and 20 are then slipped over the connectors on both sides.

[0069]While the invention has been described with reference to its
preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its essential teachings.